Three Women Farm Workers Killed, Over 15 Injured in Tragic Gadag Highway Collision
A devastating head-on collision between a cruiser vehicle and a canter truck on state highway-30 near Jigaluru Cross in Ron taluk, Gadag, early Thursday morning resulted in the immediate deaths of three women agricultural labourers and left more than 15 others with injuries. The fatal accident has sent shockwaves through the local community and highlighted urgent concerns about road safety in the region.
Deceased Identified as Local Residents from Gajendragad
The deceased women have been officially identified as Mariyamba Dadesab Hunagund, 55, Annapurna Lakshman Changali, 45, and Sujata Rajappa Hosamani, 30. All three were residents of Shivaji Peth in Gajendragad. According to police reports, they were part of a larger group of agricultural labourers travelling from Gajendragad to Ron in the cruiser vehicle for peanut harvesting when the tragic incident unfolded.
Details of the Collision and Immediate Aftermath
As the cruiser approached Jigaluru Cross, a speeding canter truck allegedly collided head-on with it. The impact was severe enough to crush the cruiser, trapping several occupants inside the wreckage. Local residents quickly rushed to the accident site to assist in rescue efforts. Despite their prompt intervention, the three women had sustained critical injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police confirmed that the accident involved a total of 18 women labourers. In addition to the three fatalities, three other women suffered critical injuries and required emergency medical attention. The remaining 12 individuals sustained serious injuries. All injured parties were initially shifted to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Taluk Government Hospital in Ron for treatment. Those in critical condition were subsequently referred to the Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital for advanced care.
Police Investigation Points to Driver Negligence
Gadag Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagadish, accompanied by Ron police personnel, visited the accident site for a thorough inspection. The preliminary investigation strongly suggests that negligence by the canter truck driver was the primary cause of the collision. A formal case has been registered in connection with the incident.
The bodies of the deceased were sent to Ron hospital for a postmortem examination. SP Jagadish provided an official statement, noting, "More than 10 people were injured and taken to Ron Taluk Hospital and Gadag GIMS Hospital. Sujata, Annapurna and Mariyamba succumbed to their injuries. An investigation into the accident is underway."
Community Impact and Broader Implications
This tragic event has deeply affected the agricultural community in Gadag district, where many rely on daily labour for their livelihood. The loss of three lives and the injuries to numerous others underscore the vulnerabilities faced by rural workers during transit. The incident also raises important questions about highway safety measures, vehicle regulations, and enforcement of traffic laws in the area.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to examine factors such as road conditions, vehicle speeds, and driver compliance with safety protocols. The local administration may also consider initiatives to improve transportation safety for agricultural labourers, who frequently travel in groups for work.
